Mark Daigneault responds to reuniting with Alex Caruso on the OKC Thunder
Nearly a decade after their last time together, Mark Daigneault and Alex Caruso have reunited with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder traded for the 30-year-old defensive specialist from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Josh Giddey. Caruso returns to OKC after his initial major stop with the G League’s OKC Blue, where Daigneault was his coach at the time.
The reigning Coach of the Year shared his thoughts on Caruso’s return, acknowledging the full-circle nature of the addition. Daigneault expressed confidence that Caruso’s on-court performance will live up to the narrative.
“He’s going to make a positive impact on the team,” Daigneault commented. “He’s a team player and a fierce competitor. We have history together from his time with the organization in the past.
“But this isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about strengthening our current team and building for the future. He’s enthusiastic about joining us, eager to get started with the team, and I believe he’ll bring energy to our locker room and contribute to our group.”
Despite the time apart, the bond between Caruso and Daigneault remains strong. Caruso expressed anticipation about receiving feedback during practice, jokingly mentioning he expects to be corrected the first time he makes a mistake. Daigneault playfully responded that it sounds typical for their dynamic.
“I’m just preemptively addressing any potential issues,” Daigneault quipped. “He’s not exactly bringing an apple for the teacher every day. I’m not sure how well he’s marketing himself.”
As free agency kicks off, it’s important not to overlook Caruso’s potential impact on OKC. His skill set as a reliable 3-and-D player will bolster both ends of the court for the Thunder.
